Summary
- Apple worked with BYD on developing lithium-iron phosphate batteries for an electric vehicle project
- Alexander Hitzinger from Porsche was assigned to the project, along with a team of 50 engineers led by Mujeeb Ijaz from Apple
- Apple reportedly explored battery tech from other companies like CATL after moving away from the partnership with BYD
- The electric car project, nicknamed "Project Titan," was scaled back and eventually cancelled earlier this year by Apple
- Apple’s future involvement in the auto industry may be limited to the CarPlay system it currently supplies to automakers
Article
Apple collaborated with Chinese automaker BYD on developing lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells for its electric vehicle project before ultimately ending the initiative. The partnership, which began in 2017, aimed to leverage BYD’s expertise in battery technology, specifically its Blade battery introduced in 2020. The team working on the project included Alexander Hitzinger, who had previous experience with Porsche’s hybrid race-car project, and a group of 50 engineers led by Apple’s Mujeeb Ijaz, alongside Michael He from BYD’s battery business.
Despite the joint efforts with BYD, Apple eventually shifted its focus to exploring battery technology from other companies. Reports in 2021 indicated that Apple was in discussions with BYD and another Chinese firm, CATL, for LFP batteries, with potential plans for U.S. manufacturing. Apple was also said to be exploring a “monocell” design for its batteries, which would allow for more space within the vehicle. However, as the project evolved, it was reportedly scaled back to a basic vehicle without the autonomous driving capabilities originally envisioned.
The electric car project, often referred to as “Project Titan,” had been the subject of speculation since 2014, with little information released to the public. Despite the initial momentum and a team of around 2,000 people working on the project, Apple ultimately decided to cancel the initiative earlier this year. Moving forward, Apple’s involvement in the auto industry is expected to be limited to its CarPlay phone-mirroring system, which is currently offered to automakers as a feature in their vehicles.
The decision to end the electric vehicle project marked a shift in Apple’s focus away from developing its own car to potentially partnering with existing automakers or providing technology solutions for the industry. This move was exemplified by the company’s exploration of battery technology from BYD and other manufacturers, indicating a willingness to collaborate rather than go solo in the competitive automotive market. While the specifics of Apple’s future involvement in the auto industry remain uncertain, the company’s decision to cancel the project suggests a strategic shift in priorities.
Despite the setback with the electric car project, Apple’s foray into the automotive space showcased the company’s ambition to innovate beyond its core technology products. The collaboration with BYD and the exploration of cutting-edge battery technology highlighted Apple’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in the development of electric vehicles. While the project may have been ultimately shelved, it served as a testament to Apple’s willingness to explore new frontiers and push the boundaries of innovation in pursuit of potential opportunities in the automotive market.
As Apple recalibrates its strategy in the auto industry, the company’s decision to cancel the electric car project reflects the challenges and complexities of entering a highly competitive and regulated sector. By leveraging its strengths in technology and design, Apple sought to disrupt the traditional automotive landscape but faced hurdles in manufacturing, supply chain management, and regulatory compliance. Moving forward, Apple may continue to explore opportunities in the auto industry through partnerships, investments, or technology collaborations, as it seeks to position itself as a key player in the evolving mobility ecosystem.
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